CHET ZAR, DAN QUINTANA, MARK GARRO

Where: Copro Gallery

Bergamot Station Arts Complex
2525 Michigan Ave , Unit T5, Santa Monica , CA 90404
Ph: 310/829-2156

E-Mail: CoproGallery@Live.com
Web-Site: www.CoproGallery.com

What: Chet Zar "The Left Hand Path", Dan Quintana "Tinsel", Mark Garro "Apocalypservice"

Chet Zar Web-Preview
Mark Garro Web-Preview

Opening Reception, Saturday, October 15 - 8:00 - 11:30 p.m.

Dates:   Exhibit runs; October 15 - November 5, 2011

Contact:  Gary Pressman, Gallery - Director Copro Gallery


Chet Zar - Mourner II
36" x 24" oil on canvas

Chet Zar - "The Left Hand Path"

Copro Gallery presents Chet Zar’s “The Left Hand Path”. This will be Chet’s fourth solo show with Copro with his work evolving more and more with each year. The Left Hand Path is a philosophy of Black Magic and the opposition of The Right Hand Path, or White Magic.

In Chet’s words, “The first time I really sat up and took notice of the term, The Left Hand Path, was while watching a Joseph Campbell lecture about the Jungian model of consciousness. While talking about the ego's relationship to the society around it, he explained that the person that walks outside of the traditional role that society expects of them and follows their own journey walks the Left Hand Path. This is more dangerous but also the most exhilarating and fulfilling path of following your bliss. The overall message of my work is really a testament to this theory: do what you love, follow your OWN path and the rest will be taken care of. I did it, and it worked. If I can make a living as a fine artist then just about anything is possible. With the world economy crashing, unemployment and our traditional institutions failing us miserably, more and more people are being forced to consider a new way of being. Why not follow The Left Hand Path?”

Chet Zar Bio


Dan Quintana - "TINSEL"


Dan Quintana - "Royal Gamette "
32" x 22" oil on panel


With Tinsel, Los Angeles oil painter, Dan Quintana, dives deeper into the dichotomy that is modern day opportunistic (a)morality. By juxtaposing life’s raw beauty against her cruel realities, Dan gently coaxes the audience to take a closer look at his societal commentary. Once the novelty wears off & the porcelain façade is scraped away, the real examination can begin. Whether it be a King’s ultimate demise or stagnation by those who would have us trapped for their own selfish desires, Quintana consummately draws the viewer in with his balance of vivid color & masterful use of light.

Dan Quintana's oil on wood panel paintings are influenced by his Catholic upbringing, the streamline architecture of Los Angeles, street art, hot rods, female models and comics. Quintana creates a world where angels and demons intermingle with girls and cars and Art Deco cityscapes meet surreal dreamscapes. In sepia toned allegories he tells the story of good versus evil, the physical versus the spiritual. A Los Angeles native born in 1982, Quintana began experimenting with oil painting in high school then shifting his focus to street art, creating numerous murals, many of which can still be seen around Los Angeles. In his early twenties Quintana embarked on commercial commissions for numerous music labels, tee-shirt designs etc. Quintana's talent has also found a home in the custom car culture in his work as artist for West Coast Customs on the MTV show Pimp my Ride and TLC's Street Customs and he has been featured in publications including LA Weekly, Juxtapoz, Hi Fructose, Car Kulture Deluxe and more.


Mark Garro - "Apocalypservice"

Mark Garro - "War Child"
19" X 15" acrylic & oil on panel

“Apocalypservice” serves up apocalyptic imagery, acknowledging the media attention over relentless doomsday prophesies. While the show title was created with a smile and a wink, the viewer is presented with beautifully designed precision randomness using symbolism and allegory. Creation, destruction and revelation play out in two dimensions but imply four. The artist draws the viewer in to happily contemplate deeper, sometimes serious thoughts and conveys through painting, underlying truths, alternate worlds, the mystery of Nature and the Cosmos, while stirring in devilish side-dishes. Says Mark, “I like to think of my work as Chinese handcuffs for the visual cortex. Once you are drawn in it’s hard to pull away.”

Mark Garro Bio and Resume